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This family opened their home to an immigrant. Celebrate them and other Santas

The Register's editorial
Published 1:20 p.m. CT Dec. 24, 2017

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Des Moines school Superintendent Thomas Ahart and his wife Jami Bassman Ahart took in student Jennifer Galdames after her parents were deported to Guatemala.
Zachary Boyden-Holmes / The Register

Support Embrace Iowa program to help neighbors in need

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Des Moines school Superintendent Thomas Ahart, his wife Jami Bassman Ahart, and son Eli Bassman, 6 stand for a photo with Jennifer Galdames, 17, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. Galdames is living with the family after her parents were deported to Guatemala.(Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register)Buy Photo

Jennifer Galdames fled violence in Guatemala three years ago to rejoin her mother in Iowa. Her stepfather has been deported and her mother has returned voluntarily to Central America. Jennifer, 17, has applied for legal residency as a minor. As the immigration courts determine her future, the Aharts have opened their home so she can finish school in Des Moines. They’re also raising money to help her save for college. As of last week, the Aharts were approaching half of their $10,000 fundraising goal at their youcaring.com site.

Not only did the Aharts open their home and hearts, but they have also exposed themselves to criticism from those who oppose any mercy for immigrants, even for children. Let’s celebrate their generosity instead.

A rose to those who have donated to the Register's Embrace Iowa campaign, which has been helping low-income families meet basic needs for 30 years. This year’s goal is $410,000.

Embrace Iowa helps people such as the Robinson family of Rock Rapids, who got out of debt this year and purchased their first home, but need help with expenses associated with the house. Or John Schoen of Polk City, who suffered a fall this year and could no longer able to afford his prescriptions for Parkinson’s and other illnesses.

Other expenses covered in the program include appliances, beds, eye glasses, car repairs, and even rent or utilities if the family has gotten behind. Funds are distributed to the 17 local Community Action Agencies serving all 99 counties.

Donate online at crowdrise.com/embraceiowa or mail checks to Embrace Iowa, 1620 Pleasant St., Suite 214, Des Moines, IA 50314. Donations must be received by Dec. 26 to be recognized in the donor announcement in the Register in January.